Local officials recently celebrated the groundbreaking of two transportation projects adjacent to Highway 101.
The Santa Claus Lane Streetscape Improvements Project near Carpinteria and the Wallace Avenue Summerland Coastal Access Project will provide increased coastal access parking, pedestrian at-grade crossing of Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) facilities, traffic calming measures, landscaping, stormwater control, and sidewalk improvements.
“This is a beloved spot for the community,” said county Supervisor Das Williams. “People from Carpinteria and all along the coast come to Santa Claus Lane to shop, eat and recreate at the beach. I want to thank residents for putting up with all the construction. I know it tests everybody’s patience. But I think we’ve already seen an improvement.”
The Santa Claus Lane and Wallace Avenue projects, under construction by Santa Barbara County, are made possible through the collaborative efforts of various entities.
The projects are part of the larger Highway 101: Carpinteria to Santa Barbara effort, which is a partnership involving Caltrans, the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG), the County of Santa Barbara County and the cities of Carpinteria and Santa Barbara.
Funding for the projects is from a combination of local Measure A transportation sales tax and state Senate Bill 1 funding, which has been approved by the California Transportation Commission.
“Everyone traveling on Santa Claus Lane or visiting Summerland — whether on foot, bike, bus, or car — will experience a revitalized sense of place and community,” said SBCAG executive director Marjie Kirn. “This includes enhanced safety and improved connectivity.
“These improvements will benefit businesses, residents and visitors, promoting a thriving community. Effective partnerships are vital to getting projects like these done. I express my sincere admiration and appreciation to the public, the California Transportation Commission, and everyone involved in making these improvements a reality.”
The Santa Claus Lane transportation project is funded and will be constructed in multiple phases. Phase 1 is focused on constructing a multi-use path, new curb and gutter, and traditional angled parking. Estimated cost is $7.6 million. Phase 1 will be constructed by Toro Enterprises, and is expected to be completed by the end of summer 2025.
The Wallace Avenue project will include increased coastal access parking and back-in angled parking, traffic calming measures, landscaping, stormwater control measures, accessible sidewalk improvements, and a pedestrian at-grade crossing of UPRR facilities into Lookout Park in Summerland.
Estimated cost is $4.6 million and it will be constructed by Taylor Jane Construction. It is expected to be completed in summer 2025.
The projects are funded by Senate Bill 1 (California Gas Tax) approved by the California Transportation Commission and Measure A, administered by SBCAG.
For more, visit Hwy 101 Parallel Projects at www.pwsb.net, or contact Christian Doolittle, the county project manager, at cdoolit@countyofsb.org or 805-803-8777.